PUL fabric is valued for its waterproof performance, flexibility and versatility. It can be used to make wet bags, diaper covers, reusable snack bags, protective covers, bibs and many other practical sewing projects. Like any specialty fabric, however, PUL performs best when it is washed, dried and stored with care. Whether you are sewing with PUL for the first time or caring for a finished project, this guide will help you protect the laminate and extend the fabric's useful life.

PUL Fabric Care at a Glance

• Follow the care instructions supplied with your fabric or finished item.
• Wash in cool or warm water.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener and chlorine bleach.
• Air-dry whenever possible.
• If machine drying is permitted, use a low-heat or air-only setting.
• Never place a hot iron directly on the laminated side.
• Store PUL completely dry and away from excessive heat and prolonged sunlight.
  
  

What Is PUL Fabric?

PUL stands for **polyurethane laminate**. It is made by bonding a thin polyurethane film to a textile fabric, creating a flexible barrier that prevents liquid from passing through the material. The PUL available from Fabric Design Treasures features a polyester knit fabric with a thin polyurethane laminate. It is approximately 60 inches wide and is available in solid colours, regular prints and exclusive designs. Our PUL is manufactured in Montreal, making it a convenient choice for Canadian makers looking for dependable waterproof fabric.

PUL fabric has two distinct sides. The fabric side displays the colour or printed design, while the smooth laminated side provides the moisture barrier. Both sides should be handled gently to preserve the bond between the fabric and laminate.

How to Wash PUL Fabric

Most PUL fabric and finished PUL projects can be machine-washed, but gentle care is recommended. Always check the manufacturer's instructions when they are available, particularly if the finished item contains other materials such as elastic, hook-and-loop tape, snaps or absorbent layers.

Use cool or warm water and select a regular or gentle wash cycle. Repeated exposure to excessive heat can shorten the life of the laminate, so very hot water is best avoided unless the manufacturer has specifically approved it.

Choose a mild detergent and use only the amount required for the size of the load. Too much detergent can leave residue on the fabric and may make finished items more difficult to rinse thoroughly.

Avoid fabric softener and chlorine bleach unless your fabric manufacturer specifically confirms that they are suitable. Fabric softener can leave a residue on the material, while harsh chemicals may weaken or discolour the laminate over time.

Treating Spots and Stains

For a small spill or stain, gently blot or wipe the affected area with a soft cloth, cool or warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, abrasive brushes and harsh stain removers, which may damage the fabric or laminated surface.

When an item becomes heavily soiled, rinse or wash it promptly instead of allowing the residue to dry onto the material. Follow any additional care requirements for the other fabrics or components used in the project.

How to Dry PUL Fabric

Air-drying is the gentlest choice for PUL fabric. Hang or lay the item flat in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry completely before using or storing it. If the manufacturer's instructions permit machine drying, choose a low-heat or air-only setting. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat, which may affect the laminate and shorten the item's useful life. Drying PUL with heavy garments, towels or jeans may also increase unnecessary friction, so a lighter load is preferable. Remove finished items from the dryer promptly and allow them to cool before folding or storing them.

Can You Iron PUL Fabric?

Do not place a hot iron directly on the laminated side of PUL. Direct heat can damage or melt the polyurethane film and compromise the moisture barrier. PUL projects generally do not need ironing. If pressing is essential, first check the manufacturer's instructions. Use the lowest suitable temperature, work from the fabric side and place a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron. Test a small scrap before pressing the main piece.

When sewing PUL, clips are often preferable to pins because every pin creates a small hole in the laminate. If pins are necessary, place them within the seam allowance whenever possible.

How to Store PUL Fabric and Finished Projects

Before storing PUL, make sure it is completely clean and dry. Moisture and residue left on the fabric can contribute to stains, odours or mildew during storage.

Keep PUL in a cool, dry location away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive heat. Rather than tightly compressing the fabric, roll it or fold it loosely to reduce stress along sharp crease lines.

Finished wet bags, covers, and similar projects should also be dried completely before being put away. If an item will not be used for an extended period, storing it loosely can help prevent unnecessary pressure on the same folded areas.

Signs That PUL May Be Wearing Out

The life of a PUL item depends on how frequently it is used and washed, the amount of heat and abrasion it experiences, and how it is stored. There is no single lifespan that applies to every PUL fabric or finished project.

Over time, you may notice signs of wear such as:

• Peeling or bubbling where the laminate has begun to separate from the fabric
• Cracks along heavily folded or repeatedly flexed areas
• Small holes or tears in the laminate
• Liquid is beginning to pass through an area that was previously waterproof
• A change in the texture or flexibility of the laminated surface

Minor damage may sometimes be covered temporarily with a patch intended for waterproof textiles. A repair, however, may not restore the material's original waterproof performance. Do not rely on a damaged or repaired section when leakage could create a hygiene or safety concern.

Once widespread peeling, cracking or delamination begins, the item has likely reached the end of its useful life as a waterproof product.

Frequently Asked Questions About PUL Fabric Care

Q: Can PUL fabric go in the washing machine?

A: Most PUL fabric can be machine-washed in cool or warm water with a mild detergent. Because products and finished projects vary, always follow the care instructions supplied by the fabric manufacturer or retailer.

Q: Can PUL fabric go in the dryer?

A: Air-drying is the gentlest option. If machine drying is allowed by the manufacturer, use a low-heat or air-only setting and remove the item promptly.

Q: Can I use bleach or fabric softener on PUL?

A: It is generally best to avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softener unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. Harsh chemicals and laundry additives may affect the appearance, residue level or long-term performance of the laminate.

Q: Can vinegar be used when washing PUL?

A: Care recommendations differ among PUL manufacturers. Unless vinegar is specifically approved in the manufacturer's instructions, use a mild detergent and avoid unnecessary laundry additives. Vinegar should not be relied upon as a disinfectant for PUL items.

Q: Is PUL fabric breathable?

A: PUL is designed primarily to provide a moisture barrier. Its degree of breathability can vary according to the fabric construction and lamination process. Do not assume that every PUL product has the same breathability or meets a particular medical or technical standard unless the manufacturer provides that information.

Q: How long does PUL fabric last?

A: There is no fixed lifespan for PUL fabric. Durability depends on the original construction, how often the item is washed and used, the detergent and drying method, exposure to heat and sunlight, and the amount of abrasion or repeated folding it experiences. Gentle care can help extend its useful life.

Q: What is the difference between PUL and polyurethane fabric?

A: PUL specifically means polyurethane laminate: a textile fabric bonded with a thin polyurethane film. “Polyurethane fabric” is a broader term that may also refer to other coated textiles or polyurethane-based materials. Their care requirements and performance are not necessarily identical.

Help Your PUL Projects Last Longer

PUL is a practical and versatile choice for projects that need a flexible moisture barrier. Washing it with a mild detergent, limiting high heat, avoiding harsh additives and storing it completely dry can help preserve both its appearance and performance.

Ready to begin your next waterproof sewing project? Shop PUL fabric in Canada and explore solid colours, regular prints and exclusive designs from Fabric Design Treasures.

 

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